Hugh Broughton Architects (HBA) and Faber Maunsell have released the first images of their winning design for the new Spanish Antarctic Research Station.

The new base has been designed for The National Research Council and is likely to cost up to £16m.

It will replace the original station, which has now reached the end of its useful life.

The winning team previously designed the new British Antarctic Survey Research Station, currently being built by Morrison Construction.

HBA director Hugh Broughton told B&E online, having the experience of building in such adverse weather conditions was a key consideration for the Spanish government in awarding the contract.

He said: “Because we worked with Faber Maunsell on the British Station our combined experience was a really crucial decision for the Spanish in appointing us.”

The contract has now gone out to tender and is expected onsite in 2009 with construction lasting two years.

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